Practice · module 40 of 100
Short summaries for colleagues
Create a summary that someone can read in 30 seconds.
After this lesson
You ask for a concise summary containing the core message and the next step.
In view · How it connects
A colleague reads in 30 seconds
Start from the full text that you are allowed to use.
Request a few main points and the most important open question.
Check that conditions, exceptions and uncertainty are preserved.
Part 1 of 3 · The source
Your preference for less movement is on. Choose each part yourself.
Determine the reader
What should a busy colleague know or do after reading?
Limit the length
For example, a maximum of 5 sentences or 80 words.
End with an action
What is the next step or the question for the reader?
New practice example
From explanation to a usable result.
A short summary should help a colleague decide what is changing and what they need to do.
Fictional practice situationA fictitious team is moving to floor two on Monday. Reception remains downstairs. The lift is out of service that morning until 10 o'clock. A precise moving date is missing.
View a possible solution
This is how it can be done
Summarise: “The team is working on floor two on Monday. Reception remains downstairs. The lift is out of service until 10 o'clock. Check in advance if you need an accessible route.” Do not add a calendar date.
Why this works
The colleague sees the change, exception, and point of attention. Shortening it must not cause the information about accessibility to disappear.
Make it slightly more difficult
Write one version for reception and one version for a colleague on the second floor. Keep the facts identical in both versions.
Extra practice, at your own pace. You do not need to submit anything. This does not count towards an automatic assessment.
Your workplace · learning by doing
Make something. See what changes.
Checking the AI connection… You can already view the written example.
Present your assignment to Ende.
Read the answer, change one thing, and compare.
Previously held
New version
You remain in control
What do you want to improve in your next attempt?
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Why this approach works
The colleague sees the change, exception, and point of attention. Shortening it must not cause the information about accessibility to disappear.
A step further
Write one version for reception and one version for a colleague on the second floor. Keep the facts identical in both versions.
A prompt to get you started
Create a summary of maximum 80 words for a colleague who has not read this. Mention the core message and one concrete next step. Text: [text].
Apply it
You are summarising a report for a team leader who needs to make a decision. The technical appendix contains many details.
Which approach best fits this situation?
- Copy all technical details without selection.
- Provide the core, a relevant limitation, and the requested next step.
- Leave out the limitation so that the conclusion sounds more powerful.
With JavaScript, you can check your approach and receive immediate feedback.
Test your insight
Why is a next step useful in a short summary?
- It makes the text longer.
- The reader immediately knows what is expected of them.
- It is not necessary.
Extra practice
Write a prompt for a short summary. Mention the target audience, maximum length, and that a next step must be included.
Target audience: team lead. Max 70 words. Core + one question or action at the end.
